When Golden Skate started out the majority of members were Michelle Kwan fans. Some people felt that the Michelle enthusiasts (*raises hand*) were a little cuckoo over Michelle and were not very tolerant toward those who weren't.

I was one of them. It truly felt like MKF II
__________
Generally speaking, I actually think things have calmed down here over the years (with a few notable exceptions). But maybe now emotions are starting to run high again, especially with the Olympic season and more controversial results being handed down.

Actually, the Wagner/Nagasu Olympic controversy is the first time I've seen passion among US skatefans in YEARS. For the longest time no one has really cared - ever since Kwan & Cohen actually.

Has figure skating ever come close to that in your country and should it? Please, share!

I think the closest the USA ever has come to being a nationwide passion was between 1994-1995 with the Tonya/Nancy saga, to Oksana Baiul, to the death of Grinkov. During that period it seemed like figure skating was always on TV and much more a part of popular culture than it has ever been before or since.

Yes. There can be problems in Canada with hockey fans in some cities when their teams lose. Not sane at all and the situations that arise can be dangerous.

In past years, there have been, on particular occasions, riots in both Vancouver and Montreal when their teams were knocked out of the playoffs. Not Toronto though . . . but that is because our team (the Maple Leafs) is so crappy, we are not only used to losing but, as well, not even making the play-offs. Yet, it is the most profitable team in the NHL because it is so ardently supported. It would be interesting to see what would happen if our beloved Maple Leafs ever won the Stanley Cup, but that is so hypothetical because it won't happen . . . but if it did, traffic would stop everywhere in the city for the celebration. It would be madness.

College football in Alabama in the 1970s and early 1980s! I remember when "The Bear" died (1983) and his funeral procession toured the ENTIRE state! The turnout was most likely equivalent (if not greater) than if a sitting president had been assassinated.

Better that than the situation with Joe Paterno 's football program at Penn State, where because he turned a blind eye to his assistant Jerry Sandusky, assaulting young boys, they took down his statue.

Better that than the situation with Joe Paterno 's football program at Penn State, where because he turned a blind eye to his assistant Jerry Sandudky, assaulting young boys, they took down his statue.

Ugh. I really have no words to adequately describe how disgusting I find the lengths to which people will go to cover up and make excuses for sexual abuse in order to protect the sanctity of football. And, of course, people worship Paterno as if he were God.

There was huge story in the American press in the last week about the high number of kids getting concussions from sports. I'm sure that the final study will point the finger at certain sports like American football. Having said that, I still expect the "powers that be" to decide that the ends justify the means so they will continue to protect the sanctity of football!

To most of relief of many of you, Brazil 2014 has started exactly in the mood that shows where the concept “home field advantage” comes from: soccer! Ref’s using his whistle in favor of the home field quite shamelessly and plus this year’s team Brazil are the worst theatrical soccer acts ever! I don’t have any favorites yet so I think I’ll relish watching how refs will push-and-pull this band of clowns the whole way to the final.
OMG that’s something, they’re serious competitors to figure skating! Marcelo only lacked Swan Lake theme and a tunica!

God help me not to get banned from GS during this crazy month because of – ehm – showing too much of worldwide sports passion

To most of relief of many of you, Brazil 2014 has started exactly in the mood that shows where the concept “home field advantage” comes from: soccer! Ref’s using his whistle in favor of the home field quite shamelessly and plus this year’s team Brazil are the worst theatrical soccer acts ever! I don’t have any favorites yet so I think I’ll relish watching how refs will push-and-pull this band of clowns the whole way to the final.
OMG that’s something, they’re serious competitors to figure skating! Marcelo only lacked Swan Lake theme and a tunica!
God help me not to get banned from GS during this crazy month because of – ehm – showing too much of worldwide sports passion

Can you imagine the home team, 5 times world champions, losing the first opening game to Croatia, being left in 10 (as they should've been) by sending out their best player (Neymar) that everybody was waiting for?
The mass suicide would've began earlier this time, right after the match, not like in 1950 when they lost the final to Uruguay.

One of the many reasons soccer was not taken seriously as an A-grade sport in Australia for many years was the prevalent diving and acting and theatrics. Our sports of cricket, rugby league and AFL didn't have those things; they just got out there and got on with it.

Now the A-league attracts the most crowds of any football code in Australia and diving is becoming more of a problem in league and AFL. Go figure.

One of the many reasons soccer was not taken seriously as an A-grade sport in Australia for many years was the prevalent diving and acting and theatrics. Our sports of cricket, rugby league and AFL didn't have those things; they just got out there and got on with it.

I think it does have to do more with culture and traditions. Football was never your game, your tradition, so no matter what it will never be your no. 1 sport. Never say never but....traditions do count, IMO.

I think it does have to do more with culture and traditions. Football was never your game, your tradition, so no matter what it will never be your no. 1 sport. Never say never but....traditions do count, IMO.

I hope so. The A-league's crowds are huge and the rugby league and AFL crowds are beginning to struggle, even the marquee clubs. The horrible mob mentality that the English/European soccer fans have is starting to pervade our soccer crowds too. Marches down main streets before derby games. Flares and riots in the crowds. Assaults post-match. And the soccer fans scream blue murder if anyone tries to point out that they're becoming soccer hooligans.

I hope so. The A-league's crowds are huge and the rugby league and AFL crowds are beginning to struggle, even the marquee clubs. The horrible mob mentality that the English/European soccer fans have is starting to pervade our soccer crowds too. Marches down main streets before derby games. Flares and riots in the crowds. Assaults post-match. And the soccer fans scream blue murder if anyone tries to point out that they're becoming soccer hooligans.

That's interesting. Why is that in your opinion, maybe immigration from other countries have an influence?